What Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars should pray for?

WEB DESK: The league stage of Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be coming to an end tonight and which team will play against whom in play-offs stage will be crystal clear after today’s result.

There were total of 20 matches scheduled for the league stage of double-round-robin, where every team had to play two matches against each team. Out of total matches, 18 matches have already been played but the final four teams, who will qualify for the play-offs, is still a million dollar question.

Out of five teams, three teams have already qualified for the play-offs which includes Quetta Gladiators, Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United but the battle for the fourth position is open even after 18 matches. This is the bitter sweet proof of the competition, which teams are facing, and fans are enjoying.

Criteria to qualify

Before concerned about the results, teams and fans need to know about the criteria to qualify.

The criteria to qualify include four 4 things

Points

Number of win and loss

Head-to-head

Net run rate (NRR)

If points and number of win and loss are equal then it will be decided on head-to-head basis. If it equals then the NRR will decide.

Scenario for both Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars

Both Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings teams have four points each and number of win and loss are exactly same as well.

Now, if we compare both teams on head-to-head basis then Karachi Kings defeated Lahore Qalandars in both matches they had played. So, Karachi Kings are already ahead of Lahore Qalandars.

This is how Islamabad United have qualified, because on head-to-head basis they beat Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars three out of four times.

Simple equation: For Lahore to qualify for the play-offs they have to win against Islamabad United in their last match and hope that Karachi lose their match against Peshawar Zalmi.

If Karachi win their match against Peshawar Zalmi then Karachi will qualify, it does not matter if Lahore win by 10 wickets or 100 runs. Because of head-to-head record Karachi Kings 2-0 against Lahore Qalandars.